The Central App shares a story of our region’s artists each month. If you know someone with creative talent to nominate contact: [email protected]

Bannockburn’s Rowan Klevstul is a photographer and published writer.

Where do you live in Central Otago?

“There’s a certain irony being a photographer of seascapes who lives in the heart of the

desert, Bannockburn. As the crow flies, we’re about the furthest settlement from the ocean

New Zealand has. 

“I actually really dig this contrast. I yearn for the sea, a horizon to fix my gaze upon. But after a few days at the beach, I get the urge to head again for the hills. I like the lightplay on the landscape here; the sharp winter air; the hazy Tuscan-gold of late summer eves.”

How did you get started as an artist?

“I remember running about as a kid on the Taieri with mum’s Instamatix camera. My

favourite subject was cows.

“Both my parents followed creative interests, so I guess it rubbed off. I took photography at high school, and then Polytech. I worked through the 2000s as senior contributor to New Zealand Surfing Magazine, and also exhibited my own ocean-themed landscape works, along with more mainstream photographic work and journalism.

Rowan Klevstul

“I make photos because I love the process of isolating symmetry, grace and energy within a frame. I’m addicted. I lose hours watching waves.

“For my work, this usually starts with weather forecasting and years of attenuation to the sea combining prepping of gear and often driving all night to (hopefully) meet the perfect combination of light, atmosphere and swell somewhere far, far away.”

Flight 

How have you ended up living and working here?

“My brother and I inherited land in Bannockburn when our father passed away in 2000. Over the years I have come and gone.

“On a visit home from Australia, I was stranded by Covid-19 restrictions, and have been in Bannockburn ever since. I like it here – think I’ll stick around.”

Flume

What’s your favourite spot in Central?

“In late summer, when it hasn’t rained for weeks, and the Kawarau is flowing a low, warm

ebb, there’s a sand-bottom pool not far from the Bannockburn Bridge that offers sweet

relief from the searing Central sun.”

What do you see as the biggest challenge for Central?

“Finding the money to enable effective custodial decisions to be implemented for the benefit of the present community, while maintaining a high level of appeal for visitors from home and abroad. Infrastructure, amenities, environmental considerations and ambition need to be creatively balanced. Central Otago is a world class location with a very bright future.”

Shore 

How can people find out more about your art?

“I’m on Twitter under the name wet colour. I mainly repost others’ artwork I like on there,

but I want to start having more of my own work on there too. Instagram is a brand new

addition for me: @wetcolour.”

How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently post

Covid-19?

“The lockdowns were a strange time. That initial collective fear of an unknown threat that we all experienced gave way to a more individualised response over time. Day-to-day life here was pretty chill. Just pottered about on the property. I got a lot of work done on the place that would have otherwise been put on the backburner. I missed the freedom to travel most of all.

“Post-Covid? I have learnt to ignore more comprehensively the directives of the government and the majority of corporate media spin. They lost me.”

What does the future look like for you and your artistic work?

“I’m interested in exploring alternative processes with my photography, and in dedicating

more time to my business practice. It’s been many years since I was anything more than an shutterbug enthusiast. More exhibiting in local shows. And lots more chasing waves.”